Captain Maria Soto enlisted in 2010 as an Emergency Management specialist and commissioned into the Space Operations career field in 2021. She has a background in Space Electromagnetic Warfare and currently works in the International Affairs Division of US Space Forces in Europe & Africa (USSPACEFOREUR-AF).

Capt Soto’s diverse background includes a deployment to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM; exercise planning for USNORTHCOM, USEUCOM and NATO Tier 1 exercises; and planning Security Cooperation engagements with the Republic of Slovenia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan through the Colorado State Partnership Program. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Political Science, a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management, and a PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership.